Festive hangovers are a real thing, and we're not just talking booze [1]-wise. (Although, obviously, that too.) The last few weeks of the year are undoubtedly exhausting, between thinking of thoughtful gifts [2], shopping for and wrapping said gifts [3], attending multitudes of merry gatherings, and managing to survive family-house-hopping craziness (insert a glass of wine — or five). So, gifting ourselves a holiday in the new year might just be the best idea we've had all year.
Whatever your post-Christmas unwind style, this roundup of January destinations has your back. Perhaps you just need some solo peace and quiet . . . no problem. Or, quite possibly, you're mulling over trying something new for that new year's reset — we've got that, too.
If anything, this post-Christmas travel inspiration might just give you a daydream escape to help soothe the inevitable effects of fielding dating questions [4] from wacky Aunt Susan. You've most certainly earned a mini or not-so-mini break to look forward to in January when the holiday dust has settled. Start 2019 off on a refreshed foot with these relaxing, detoxing, and utterly restorative spots.
Think: yoga, beach, massage, meditation retreat, cosy fireplace reading. Feel: rejuvenated, refreshed, rebooted — and get some long overdue "you time."
Texas Hill Country, USA
If you're craving a digital detox, head to the Hill Country. This country quaint area of Texas in Uvalde County whisks away the screen time temptation straight out the gate with almost zero phone service and few wifi opportunities. Trade your scrolls through photos of your friends in matching holiday pyjamas for real-life Southern scenery, uninterrupted. Slumber in an adorable cottage like at The Inn Between [6], take a stroll on horseback, tube on a turquoise river in Garner State Park [7], jam out to live music, and eat arguably some of the best diner pie at the Lost Maples Cafe in a town that is actually called Utopia. Texas-sized detox, please and thank you.
Brussels, Belgium
What if your hangover just wants . . . food? There are few things that can't be fixed with a pound or two of chocolate. Belgium is known as "the land of chocolate," so get your Willy Wonka on and head to the European side to stock up on a classically sweet cure for the holiday blues, hangover, or well, anything really. For the best bang for your Euro, head to Leonidas [8] to choose your chocolates. And if you've left room for anything else, Brussels [9] has legitimately every international cuisine you could want. EVERY. CUISINE. Eat up!
Fuschl, Austria
Ever dream of sleeping in a fancy Austrian library where you can eat half your weight in meat and cheese every morning? Us too. Curling up with a good book is one of the best ways to unwind, escape in the story, and relax. Well, there's a hotel for that. Seriously. Less than an hour outside of Salzburg is Fuschl, where there happens to be a small boutique hotel dedicated to, you guessed it, books. Garni Haus Sonnleitn [10] is a bed and breakfast style lodging separate from its neighbour parent resort, and it very well could be the literary respite you need. With books in nearly every language, you could hole up for days in the land of Sound of Music with a million good books. And if you can manage to leave your book nook, venture a few minutes walk into town for some kasnocken mit röstzwiebel (Austrian mac and cheese!) at Cafe Flora [11]. Your festive hangover will thank you.
Koh Samui, Thailand
To recharge your depleted batteries from not just the end of the year, but 2018 in general, Thailand is a mecca for wellness resorts. The Absolute Sanctuary [12] in Koh Samui, is exactly what it sounds like, a sanctuary. With a slew of wellness programs on the resort menu, they don't make choosing easy! Detox, yoga, antistress, spa (obviously), and even a Pilates bootcamp each have their own detailed program and run anywhere from three to 14 days to assist in that necessary recharge. Pick a plan that works for you and get ready for rejuvenation, Thai style.
Ojai, California, USA
Go sacred and flip your internal fuse box by retreating to a naturally spiritual destination. Ojai [13] is said to be one of the Earth's energy vortices, with healing properties perfect for the holiday aftermath. Restore yourself back to your own centre in a beautiful backdrop and let the energy do its thing. A picturesque valley cradled by mountains and all around positive energy in the air? Maybe you do have a zen side after all.
Bali, Indonesia
With the numerous temples and gorgeous offerings left out every morning, it's hard not to feel peaceful in Bali. It's easily one of the top idyllic places to find calm areas to soak in a sunrise, stroll the rice terraces, and explore the jungle to reboot yourself with a stark contrast to your everyday life — and the festive season, of course. If you're really feeling it, try a meditation retreat [14], and if you're really feeling it, try a silent meditation retreat [15].
Dunton Hot Springs, Colorado, USA
A warm bath is just what the doctor ordered. At Dunton Hot Springs [16] you can soak in the restorative waters while taking in incredible views. It's basically a natural bath with a live painting — we're in love. Take advantage of the several activities at hand, or don't — you're on you time, so soak it up.
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
What if we told you there was a place, a tropical island in fact, where a plethora of cute little pups await for some TLC . . . from you. And they want you to walk them on the beach in the morning! And maybe bring them home. We'll let you process that for a hot second. Can you think of a better, calmer refresh than in the company of puppies on a beach? We'll wait. Potcake Place [17] is a rescue charity in Turks & Caicos that welcomes volunteers to come play with the dogs for a day, walk them on the beach, and donate to help the cause. Warmth plus puppies? We're in.
Note: this is not an excursion, but rather a chance to help some pups in need.
Douro Valley, Portugal
What, no sightseeing? Six Senses [18] wants to give you the gift of sleep. And let's be real, after the festive mania, you might need to raise your usual six to seven hours to a cool 10. It's not a dream; sleep holidays are a real thing — scout's honour. And once you're done with all those zzz's, the Douro Valley has endless vineyards and delicious food to experience. Then more sleep, of course.
Sedona, Arizona, USA
Another destination located in an energy vortex box, Sedona is one of those places where sunrises and sunsets will warm you from the inside to match the red rock backdrop. Detach in the desert backcountry with a hike, and then spa-it-up afterwards for an otherworldly reboot, right in our own wild western backyard. Festive stress instantly melted. You're a pal, Sedona.